Nigeria Rowing, Canoeing and Sailing Federation launch Ibom Club
In order to make water sport take it’s rightful position in the Niger Delta Region, the Nigeria Rowing, Canoeing and Sailing Federation recently launched Ibom Club.
The lunch took place at the Marina Waterfront of the 5 Star Ibom Hotels in Uruan LGA of Akwa Ibom State, venue of canoeing competition during the closing ceremony of the Canoeing championship of the first Niger Delta Sports Festival held in Uyo the Akwa Ibom State Capital from 2nd – 9th April 2025.
With the growing global interest in recreational and competitive water sports, it will serve as a hub to develop other canoeing club in the state.
Rowing, Canoeing, & Sailing are excellent water sports that promote physical fitness, team work and environmental appreciation.
The club will provide a structured platform for development and harnessing of our cultural lifestyle.
During the launch which was presided over by the Federation President Rear Admiral Festus Porbeni Rtd, in the presence of Secretary General Olubunmi Ola Oluode, Technical Director Ebenezer Ayomide Bello who is also the African number 1, world number 8 and two time Olympian, and King Okon, the Sports consultant and the Club Promoter.
The Local Government Chairman of Uruan LGA ably represented by Comrade Liberty Usanga was on hand to receive his guests.
Also present to grace the occasion was the Director of Sports of Bayelsa State Sir Braveman Wodi, Rivers State Head of Delegation Gabriel Opuona who alongside Obong Ntiense Williams popularly known as Mr. Rugby also represented the Sports Coaches Association of Nigeria (SCAN).
It was a thing of pride to also honour the occasion with the presence of the first female architect in Akwa Ibom State Arc Mrs. Dorothy Ekanem and Mrs.Eme Essien.
In his remarks, President of the Sports Coaches Association of Nigeria Gabriel Opuona thanked the President of the Federation for the kind gesture to develop the sport in the locality and offered to make Rowing, Canoeing, & Sailing their first beneficial of a Coaching Training Program in Nigeria on behalf of the Coach’s Association of Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Bayelsa State won the Rowing, Canoeing and Sailing championship at the just Rowing, Canoeing & Sailing championship at the recently concluded Niger Delta Sports Festival
Bayelsa came 1st with 4 Gold & 2 Silver, followed by Rivers State with , 2 gold, 2 Silver & 1 Bronze, Abia was 3rd with 2 Silver & 1 Bronze.
Edo came 4th with 3 Bronze, while Delta came 5th with 1 Bronze. Host Akwa Ibom , Cross River, Imo and Ondo did not win a medal.
